Sunday, July 28, 2013

Mad Catz unveiled their entry into the Android-powered console arena during E3 2013 which is called Mojo. While the console was on display at E3 and subsequent shows for some hands-on loving, the hardware within the console itself was there was more for showing the prototype console then actually being finalized hardware for a production release.

The console, at the time it was being fondled by numerous news outlets, was sporting a Tegra 3 chipset in it. At the time rumors were it would feature a Tegra 4 when it hit store shelves and to us that seems quite likely. So why are we recapping all of this? Well we've been talking with the fine folks over at Mad Catz in regards to the Mojo console and possibly getting some new details to report back with.

We did get some additional details about this upcoming console and while the hardware is still being finalized, and so nothing really new to report there right now, we do have some of information to share. First the Mojo console will be available by the holiday season. Back when it was unveiled, this was more of a general possibility for its release. Now it is a lot more final. Mad Catz has also gone on record to say the Mojo will be the most powerful Android console when it arrives. So in terms of hardware, use your imagination. Tegra 4? 2GB of RAM or more? When the final specs arrive it should be interesting to see what they are.

The other reason we still speculate that the Mojo will pack a Tegra 4 versus a Qualcomm chipset is because Mad Catz and Nvidia came to an agreement which happened back in June regarding Tegra devices and that any peripheral that uses Mad Catz' GameSmart Technology will be automatically compatible with Tegra-based devices.

The Mojo console will have no subscription fees, no limit to the selection of games or where you get those games. The console won't be using its own marketplace and that means you'll be able to access Google Play, TegraZone, Amazon's AppStore or any other app store you might want to use. This is all because the Mojo will be running stock Android and that also means all the games you already own will be playable on this console without having to purchase them again.

Considering Mad Catz has been in the gaming scene for some time now, making peripherals that are used in pretty much every major gaming tournament, Mojo will also come with a modified version of their MLG-licensed C.T.R.L.R. controller which will also have a 'mouse mode' you will be able to turn on. This mode will allow you play games that specifically use touch screen controls but converting those controls into ones that support gamepads isn't feasible, like Angry Birds. This modified C.T.R.L.R will also use (and is the only one on the market to do this) both normal Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart to minimize lag.

The C.T.R.L.R actually has three built-in modes you can switch between:

Mad Catz also told us that the Mojo will be completely open. If you want to use another company's controller with it then you can. You'll also be able to use the C.T.R.L.R with your phone or tablet if you want to. The console will also support both mice and keyboards as well. Mojo can also act like a media center as well since it can stream 1080p to your HDTV so you can watch Netflix or do whatever you want with it.

So while we knew some of these details already from the initial unveiling back at E3 2013, Mad Catz expanded a lot on some of those details to us. As for pricing, Mad Catz is still considering what the price tag will be for Mojo. If you have any questions about this upcoming console, let us know over in our forums if you're a member (or in the comments below if you aren't a member) as we will be doing a more formal interview with Mad Catz next week.

Today's roundup is presented by Strategy & Tactics: WW II from HeroCraft. You could be forgiven for thinking that this turn-based strategy game looks a lot like Risk, but instead of Napoleonic struggles, the digital adaptation takes the battlefield to WWII-era Europe. Players will advance across Italy, France and Germany, using a variety of ground and air units to push back the enemy. You can duke it out in skirmishes, win the war in three campaigns, or get your multiplayer on in WiFi battles or local "hot potato" play on a single device. There's also a free demo of Strategy & Tactics available.

Relive the greatest battles of WWII in this grand strategy masterpiece. Take command of the Axis to conquer Europe - then command the armies of the USSR and Allies to retake it. In Strategy & Tactics: World War II, you battle impressive AI enemies in three campaigns with a classic turn-based battle system and serried ranks of historically-accurate troops. Fight your way through eighteen missions with an exiting storyline and charismatic characters across Europe, Asia and Africa, research new technologies to improve your troops and build industry, and lead your armies to victory.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

BioShock Infinite has been delayed once more. Formerly slated to arrive on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on February 26, 2013, the game is now scheduled to ship on March 26. We've been informed the delay was made at the behest of Rod Fergusson, who joined Irrational Games as VP of development after leaving Epic Games in August.

Fergusson felt the game needed a bit more time in development--a similar sentiment previously delayed its release from October 16, 2012 to February. Hopefully it's nothing but good news from here on out, and we can stop worrying about BioShock Infinite.

The Silent Assassin rank is the highest commendation you can earn in Hitman: Absolution. Fully memorizing the control scheme and having situational awareness are just the first steps to reaching this rank. Success not only depends what you do, but also what you don’t do, like getting spotted. We love that Absolution gives you real time score updates, letting you know how you’re progressing or failing. In this Hitman game, scores are tied to ranks and the assassin targets yield the big points. So not only are we providing you with ways to get the Silent Assassin rank, we’re also giving you a partial walkthrough, revealing some of the many ways you can take out the targets.

Eurocom, the 007 Legends developer which laid off 75 percent of its workforce in November, has eliminated its remaining positions. The last employees were terminated after the company entered administration.

"As a result, the remaining 42 employees have been made redundant today and the business has ceased to trade after some 25 years, having grown organically to become one of the largest and most prolific independent console games developers worldwide," read a statement from the studio provided to Eurogamer.

"The Directors of Eurocom would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all their staff that have been made redundant at this difficult time, and show their appreciation of all of their hard work in consistently delivering exceptional games."

Eurocom stood as an independently owned licensed console game contractor since its establishment in 1988. Before entering administration, studio director Hugh Binns said the company planned to begin focusing on mobile games. Its recent titles were largely Activision-licensed Bond games, including GoldenEye 007: Reloaded.